COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

PRINS. MEMO NO. 11

March 15, 2005

ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE/SECONDARY

TO:	Principals
FROM:	Linda M. Wallinger Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
SUBJECT:	FUNtastic Reading! Program for Summer 2005

The Library of Virginia in collaboration with state libraries in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina is pleased to announce its FUNtastic Reading! Program for the Summer of 2005. According to the Johns Hopkins University Center for Summer Learning, children who engage in recreational reading tend to maintain their skill level over the summer.

Public libraries across the five states are planning activities for students of all ages, designed to keep them reading and enjoying books during the summer. Parents and caregivers are encouraged by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Parent Teachers Association to visit a library with their children to sign up for reading programs. For more information visit www.vacationreading.org or contact the public library near your home.

If you have any questions, please contact Catherine Rosenbaum, Catherine.Rosenbaum@doe.virginia.gov, reading and language arts specialist, Office of Middle and High School Instruction, at (804) 225-2665.

LW/CR/yba